Starbucks ends water bottling production in California amid intense drought
Starbucks has pulled its sourcing and manufacturing of its Ethos Water brand out of California, citing serious drought conditions and necessary water conservation efforts in the state.
Over the next six months, the coffee company plans to move production to its Pennsylvania supplier as it explores alternatives to transition to a new source and supplier on the west coast, according to a company blog post.
The company said it has been actively involved in efforts to conserve water and has decreased usage by 26 per cent in California through green building and conversation practices.
John Kelly, senior vice president of global responsibility at Starbucks, said: “We are committed to our mission to be a globally responsible company and to support the people of the state of California as they face this unprecedented drought. The decision to move our Ethos water sourcing from California and reduce our in-store water reductions by more than 25 percent are steps we are taking in partnership with state and local governments to accelerate water conservation.”
In 2005, Starbucks acquired Ethos Water. For every bottle purchased, 5 cents goes towards a charity that provides people around the world with access to clean water.
Sign up for The Drum's Daily US newsletter to keep up with the latest in American marketing and media